Shawn Ahmed is an acclaimed actor and creative force hailing from Toronto. His passion for storytelling ignited in grade four when his teacher recognized his vivid imagination, casting him as the lead in the school production of Grease. While pursuing a Specialist in Economics at the University of Toronto, Shawn continued performing in unconventional venues, from bar backs and church basements to street festivals.
With an impressive repertoire, Shawn has made his mark in film, TV, and theater. He delivers compelling dramatic monologues in shows like SYFY’s ‘The Expanse’ and adds comedic flair to his recurring role on CBC/The CW's ‘Coroner’. His versatile talent has graced screens in CBS’ ‘So Help Me Todd’, Paramount Plus’ ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’, Lifetime’s ‘Fallen Angels Murder Club’ series and ‘Under the Christmas Tree’, The CW’s ‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’, ChillerTV’s ‘Slasher’, CBS All Access’ ‘Twilight Zone’, CityTV’s ‘Hudson and Rex’, and Freeform’s ‘Siren’.
Next, audiences can anticipate Shawn reprising his role as Yudhishthra in Mahabharata, set to premiere internationally at the Barbican Theatre in London, England, this October.
Based in Toronto, Shawn Ahmed continues to captivate audiences with his unique talent and creative endeavors.
EG: Thank you so much for joining us in this interview, Shawn. In the entertainment industry, everyone has a story. In a few words, describe yours.
Shawn: I love telling stories. I love making people laugh. Somehow I've turned it into a career.
EG: When and how did you choose to pursue a career in acting?
Shawn: It was always something on my radar as "wow, wouldn't that be a cool thing to do." I was at a performing arts high school, Wexford School for the Arts, and I always figured I'd use my training there toward some entrepreneurial venture. I got an agent and while getting my Economics degree I started getting work. That got me thinking "maybe I can do this."
EG: Can you provide additional details about your early experiences and training in acting?
Shawn: After I completed my specialist in Economics and Economics History, I knew I wanted to take a run at this business. I started researching my favorite actors and they all did classical theatre. I assumed I would need to train my voice and body for the rigors of the stage but, having just graduated, was loath to go back to school. An acting coach in Toronto recommended Shakespeare & Company, a repertory theatre in Lenox, MA that had a highly sought after training program. I did a 6-week intensive crash course there and continued to develop my skills from that foundation.
EG: You've been involved in various film and television projects. Is there a specific role or performance that holds a special place in your heart? If yes, what makes it particularly meaningful to you?
Shawn: I really loved working on The Expanse. My first time working on a project where I was already a huge fan of the series. Walking onto that sound stage, with a massive crew, hundreds of extras whizzing by and a larger than life set was really special for me. It's really wonderful to be on a show where everyone involved is really invested in the success of the show. Also, I have very fond memories of my grade 6 teacher, Mr. Lefevre, rolling in the TV and VCR to show us episodes of Twilight Zone. I always loved that show so much, and it was really amazing to be a part of the reboot.
EG: You will be reprising the role of Yudhishthra in Mahabharata at London, England's Barbican Theatre this October following the successful run at the Shaw Festival this past March. Tell us all about this special project which sounds like you are very enthusiastic about.
Shawn: The Mahabharata is a 4000-year-old epic poem. As we say at the beginning, "the Mahabharata is a forest of stories." Some are funny, some are sad, they tackle the full range of the human condition. At its core, it is about the Pandava brothers' quest to win back their kingdom from their one hundred wicked cousins. Our presentation is a full day event with three parts: the first and third in the theatre with the cast and the middle as a dinner where everyone shares a communal meal and hears another story. I played Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, destined to win back the kingdom of Hastinapur. He is born of the god dharma, justice, and morality, but he is a very flawed man. It was these flaws that were the most fun to play. Why do good people do bad things? That question rolled around in my head the entire time.
EG: Could you provide more information about your role as a board member at POV Films, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting marginalized youth and young adults with training, mentorship, job placement, and professional development in the film and television industry?
Shawn: I've been a member of the POV board for three years. There I have helped train, educate, and executive produce a number of projects led by creatives that have come from the POV training stream. Most notably, I helped pitch five projects to Bell Media's Fibe TV1 so our alums could have an opportunity to serve as creative leads on their own shows. All five were picked up and we raised over $150,000 for them to go and make these shows. The most ambitious, Right Under My Roof, was just released last month on Fibe TV1, available for anyone in Canada with a Bell Cable subscription.
EG: What makes POV Films particularly significant in your opinion?
Shawn: It's very clear when you look at the artists, producers, crew, etc., that work the most in this business that they usually benefit from nepotism and financial privilege. The aim of POV is to help break down that barrier. I think by diversifying the talent pool and bringing in new faces with fresh ideas, we ultimately make our industry stronger and more resilient.
EG: What additional projects are currently occupying your time and effort?
Shawn: Currently, I'm back on Superhuman Public Radio, an award-winning audio drama about the trials of an NPR-like radio station in a world full of Superheroes. Our first season was a runaway success and our second season is being distributed by the Fable & Folly Network (available anywhere podcasts are found). We're dropping weekly episodes for our second season until mid-December. I'm in post-production for a short film, The Things We Do For Love, that I wrote and directed. It's a romantic horror loosely (very loosely) based on how I got my wife's engagement ring size. I'm also starring alongside Teri Hatcher in a Christmas movie, How to Fall in Love by Christmas, that'll be released over the holidays.
EG: How can everyone find you on social media?
Shawn: I don't have any social media, but you can learn more about me and see what I've been up to at www.iamshawnahmed.com.
Photo Credit: Steve Carty